Church of St Mary Magdalene and chapel of Nuestra Señora de Montserrat

The Church of St. Mary Magdalene in Seville is a Baroque church standing in the historic centre of the Andalusian capital, built in 1709 to a design by Leonardo de Figueroa, one of the leading architects of Sevillian Baroque.

What makes this church notable?

The building dates from the turn of the 18th century, a period when Seville's architecture flourished thanks to wealth generated by colonial trade. Leonardo de Figueroa gave the church the features typical of his work: an elaborately decorated facade, brickwork contrasting with whitewashed plaster, and ornamental details drawing on local craft traditions. He used similar solutions in several other churches across the city, so this building fits neatly into a recognisable body of work.

The overall design reflects the hallmarks of Andalusian Baroque — dynamic lines, a strong interplay of light and shadow, and a close fusion of architectural and sculptural elements. The church remains an active place of worship, which is worth keeping in mind when planning a visit, since access for sightseeing can be limited during services.

How do you get there?

The church sits within Seville's historic centre, within easy walking distance of the city's major landmarks such as the cathedral and the Alcázar. The most convenient way to reach it is on foot or by local bus — central Seville is compact, and its narrow streets are best explored at walking pace. Visitors arriving by car should expect traffic restrictions in the historic zone and plan to use parking on its outskirts.

What will you see on site?

The main draw is the architecture itself: the church's facade and overall form are a strong example of mature Sevillian Baroque, combining brick, plaster, and stone detailing. It's worth taking time to appreciate the proportions of the building and how the architect balanced its religious function with a representative, eye-catching facade — a hallmark of churches funded by wealthy brotherhoods and religious orders in that era.

When is the best time to visit?

Spring (March–May) and autumn (October–November) are the best seasons to explore Seville, offering far milder temperatures than summer, when highs can exceed 40°C. Visiting in the morning helps you avoid both the biggest crowds and the peak heat, and makes it easier to view the facade without a crowd of tourists in the way.

Frequently asked questions

Can you go inside the church? As an active place of worship, the church may be open to visitors outside service hours — it's best to check current opening times locally, as they can change.

Who designed the church? It was designed by Leonardo de Figueroa, a leading architect of Sevillian Baroque at the turn of the 18th century, responsible for numerous other churches and buildings across the city.

How long does a visit take? Viewing the facade and surrounding area typically takes ten to twenty minutes; a longer stay depends mainly on whether the interior is open during your visit.

Is it worth combining with other Seville attractions? Yes — its location in the historic centre makes it easy to include on a route that also takes in the cathedral, the Alcázar, and the surrounding streets of old Seville.